Code of Behaviour

The following Code of Behaviour has been drawn up in accordance with statutory requirements and the policies of Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board. It is also supported by our Behaviour Policy, copies of which are available in the school.

Our Code of Behaviour in Coláiste Bhríde is designed to create an atmosphere in which all students are offered an equal opportunity to learn and mature to the best of their ability and to attain their full potential. There is an emphasis on positive discipline. The school endeavours to work towards a positive outlook by supporting all our students through our pastoral care, Student Council, Eacht Suntasach Awards, Meitheal and Senior Leadership programmes.

The code is intended to make students feel happy, safe and secure in our school community.

Therefore we expect:

1. RESPECT AND CONSIDERATION

That you show respect, courtesy and tolerance towards all staff members, fellow students, visitors to the school and places where you go representing the school.
That you are mannerly and helpful at all times.
That physical or verbal disrespect towards others in the school community is not acceptable.
That you respect all school and other people’s property.
That any form of bullying is not tolerated.

2. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

That you attend school every day.
That you attend and are punctual for all classes and school activities. This includes relevant subject related activities, talks, seminars, exhibitions, etc.
That a written note of explanation from your parents is presented to the administration office, before 9am, if you need to leave school during the course of the day.
That if you are late for school you bring in a note of explanation and sign in at the Seomra Fáilte. Go straight to class – your subject teacher will make a note of the fact that you are late. Detention will be given for three unexplained ‘lates’.
That if you are absent you provide a note or a doctor’s cert, on the day of your return, explaining the reason for the absence, which will be recorded by your class teacher on your attendance record.
That you are aware that all absences of 20 days or more in any one school year must be reported by law to the Education Welfare Officer.
That if you live within walking distance of the school you may go home for lunch only if your parents sign an insurance indemnity form and that you supply one passport sized photograph for a Lunchtime Pass. This privilege may be withdrawn by the principal in cases where there is lack of co-operation.

3. DRESS and DEPORTMENT

A high standard of dress and deportment must be maintained. The complete official school uniform must be worn in the prescribed manner at all times, including state examinations, and when representing the school. Pupils must travel to and from school in full school uniform including footwear.
The official school jacket must be worn to and from school. Hooded sweatshirts, half zips etc. are not permitted. These will be confiscated.

Jumper (Boys and Girls):	Airforce Blue: V neck with gold stripes and embroidered school crest.
Two Shirts (Boys):	Dark Grey with tie. Tie to be visible above V of jumper.
Two Blouses (Girls):	Cream blouse (not shirt -without tie).
Skirt (Girls):	Airforce Blue tartan kilt – knee length Kilts should NOT be shortened.
Trousers (Boys Only):	School Grey.
Tie (Boys Only):	Airforce Blue with Grey stripes.
Tights/socks (Girls):	Navy Lycra Tights or navy knee socks.
Footwear:	Ordinary black, polishable shoes. Runners, canvas shoes, deck shoes (white soled), flip flop style shoes are not acceptable.

That only a note from a medical doctor is acceptable for not wearing full school uniform.
That in the interest of hygiene and safety you wear appropriate gym gear during P.E. classes and games.
That hair should be kept clean and tidy and worn in a manner suitable for school, (no garish styles and this includes colour and length) as deemed acceptable by school management.
Students must be clean-shaven.
That facial makeup is light, natural and seamless. Eye makeup, inappropriate nail polish and fake tan are forbidden.
That jewellery is not outlandish or a source of risk in terms of health and safety. Students may wear small/neat earrings but all other facial piercings (this includes tongue rings and lobe stretchers) are strictly forbidden. Visible tattoos are not permitted.
That non-compliance with the above code will result in the student being withdrawn from class and all other school activities for that day.

4. EQUIPMENT

That you respect the school policy on mobile phones, other digital devices and internet usage.
That you have charged iPad, books, pens and copies.
That you bring other specific equipment as per subject eg. P.E., Home Economics, Art etc.
iPads must be placed in lockers at break times and during PE.
iPads should never be left unattended in a school bag.
Our school cannot take responsibility for iPads that are damaged while unattended.
Locker usage is before school, at break times and after school.
That you are fully prepared for your subjects each day.
That you write your name on all books loaned to you under the book rental scheme and that these books are suitably covered and properly cared for.

5. SCHOOL PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

That you are tidy and careful with school property and equipment.
That you take pride in the appearance of your school and do not mark, deface or damage walls, floors, furniture etc.
Toilet facilities should be respected and left in a manner suitable for everyone to use.
Eating and drinking during class is strictly forbidden.
That chewing gum is prohibited because it causes irreparable damage to school property and the school environment. Persistent usage will result in €5 fine.
That you do not damage or allow others to damage or deface your journal. The cost of a replacement journal is €10 (purchase from deputy principal).

6. LEARNING AND TEACHING

That you as a student are aware that school is a place for learning and teaching in a respectful environment.
That you do your best to participate in class, listen to your teacher and behave in an appropriate manner.
That you use your journal to record your homework, written and oral, at the end of each class.
That you do your homework, written and oral, each evening, have a study plan to allow organised time for study, revision and exam preparation.
That if you are unable to access the internet for homework, a written explanation from your parent(s) is provided for the subject teacher, the following day.
That you have your journal signed weekly by your parent(s) and monitored by your class teacher.
That you adhere to the official school Policy on Homework and Study, a copy of which is on the website and issued to each student.

7. CONDUCT

That you are responsible for your own behaviour and conduct.
That you act in a proper manner in school, on school outings, and when you are identifiable with the school.
That your use of social media is appropriate at all times.
That mobile phones must be switched off and must not be used on school premises during school hours; no responsibility will be accepted for mobile phones lost or stolen. Any mobile phone used improperly will be confiscated for a minimum period of two calendar weeks.
That you may not possess, consume, sell, pass or prompt the use of cigarettes, drugs, alcohol or other banned substances while on school premises or under the care of the school.
Smoking is illegal on school premises and there is a substantial fine for breaches of this rule.
That you may not possess offensive or dangerous weapons.
That you may not possess unsuitable or inappropriate digital, printed matter or publications.

8. REWARDS

Coláiste Bhríde promotes and recognises the positive attributes of every student. Ways to reward our students include:

Acknowledgement and praise
Eacht Suntasach Award System
Leadership roles given to students
Year group excursions
Display students work in the school environment
Positive dialogue with parents

9. RESTORATIVE PRACTICE

Our school will make every effort to develop a spirit of partnership and co-operation and will endeavour to bring about changes in student behaviour and performance for the better.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their conduct, in conjunction with our “Above the Line” policy.

However, the following strategies will apply as the occasion demands:

Reprimand – including advice on how to improve
Written punishment – lines are not recommended
Restitution/manual work, including litter duty
Detention
‘Report System’ – student monitoring
Fines – especially for smoking, chewing gum and damage to property
Exclusion from school tours
After school, Wednesday afternoon, Saturday morning detention
Suspension – internal and external
Re-enrolment/continued participation contract
Expulsion

DETENTION

(Detention takes place during lunch breaks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.)
Students who fail to attend detention may be required to remain in school on Wednesday afternoon(s) 1.30 – 3.30 p.m. Parents are responsible for transport arrangements as required.

After three detentions a letter is sent home to convey our concern to the parents.
After six detentions the parents are required to come to the school to discuss the problem, with a view to finding a solution. The student may be suspended and/or put on ‘report’ at this stage.
After nine detentions the student is liable to be suspended for up to three days and is put on indefinite ‘report’ on his/her return to school.
After twelve detentions the student is suspended for a period to be determined by the Principal, and is put on ‘Yellow Report’ and he/she comes before a Disciplinary Board each week for an assessment of his/her performance. The Board may impose appropriate sanctions including suspension.
At the beginning of a new academic year, students are given a fresh start.

PLEASE NOTE

Parents and students are asked to recognise that it is not possible to detail every rule governing students’ behaviour in the school. However, acceptance into the school is conditional upon the acceptance of the overall spirit of the Code of Behaviour for student conduct. The Management reserves the right to make the final decision in its interpretation.